acupuncture

noun

acu·​punc·​ture ˈa-kyə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
ˈa-kə-
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease or relieve pain (as in surgery)
acupuncture transitive verb
acupuncturist noun

Did you know?

In Latin, acus means "needle", and the English word acupuncture was coined way back in the 17th century to describe a technique the Chinese had already been using for 2,000 years. An acupuncturist may insert many extremely fine needles at a time; the treatment is usually uncomfortable but not truly painful. In China today, even major surgery is often carried out using only acupuncture to kill the pain; it's also used for many other conditions, including insomnia, depression, smoking, and overweight. Acupuncture is based on ancient theories of bodily energy that few Western doctors have ever accepted; but even though attempts to explain its effects by Western science have been unsuccessful, it's now widely recognized by doctors as effective for pain reduction.

Examples of acupuncture in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In classic Final Destination fashion, the survivors inevitably meet graphic deaths — for example, a Buddha statue crushes Issac (P. J. Byrne) during an acupuncture appointment — with some being influenced by real-life events. Michael Lee Simpson, EW.com, 26 Oct. 2024 This includes practices known to alleviate stress, such as acupuncture, meditation and yoga, as well as speaking with a therapist, Bailen said. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 20 Sep. 2024 And as medical technologies and treatments for our pets advance — MRIs, chemotherapy, allergy testing, even acupuncture — so too has the average cost of a vet visit. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2024 The Disney Adventure will also feature a spa with private treatment rooms and a range of services, including acupuncture, facials, and massages. Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for acupuncture 

Word History

Etymology

Latin acū- (stem—or ablative—of acus "needle") + puncture entry 1 — more at acute

First Known Use

1684, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of acupuncture was in 1684

Dictionary Entries Near acupuncture

Cite this Entry

“Acupuncture.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/acupuncture. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

acupuncture

noun
acu·​punc·​ture ˈak-yə-ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specified points especially to cure disease or relieve pain
Etymology

Latin acus "needle" and English puncture

Medical Definition

acupuncture

noun
acu·​punc·​ture -ˌpəŋ(k)-chər How to pronounce acupuncture (audio)
: an originally Chinese practice of inserting fine needles through the skin at specific points especially to cure disease, relieve pain, or promote healing

More from Merriam-Webster on acupuncture

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!